Helvetica and the New York City Subway System by Paul Shaw — which examines the Helvetica’s role and history in the New York City Subway system — looks like a must have for any design collector. It’s currently sold out of it’s initial limited edition but Shaw’s site says they are looking for a publisher. Let’s hope that works out.

Imar says:

This is a beautiful book. I received my copy a little while back, and I didn’t even open it for a while. I was busy staring at the shipping package, which had been beautifully addressed by hand (Paul Shaw is also a calligrapher).

In a follow-up “thanks for the support” email, Shaw mentioned that, although there are no plans for a second edition, he hopes to find a publisher to do a trade edition. I’d recommend grabbing a copy if anyone has a chance.

Chris says:

About the S on the cover, I have noticed that too in the Subway system and am perplexed by it. It looks like Aksidenz grotesk. On some signage they have both that S and Helvetica, I have been noticing the pairing of the two more and more, and I think they use Arial for the Metrocard machines!

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Phife says:

yup the “S” on this cover and spotted throughout the NYC subway system is Akzidenz Grotesk. The signage system was (re)designed around 1960 or 61 (cant remember exact date) and while Vignelli would have preferred it to Akzidenz Grotesk (called Standard back then), Helvetica hadnt gained enough popularity in the States yet and Akzidenz was the closest suitable typeface that was available for any extensive reproduction of type in sizes large enough for transit signage.